Philippines, Malaysia to hold naval drills

MANILA / KUALA LUMPUR, -- The navies of the Philippines and Malaysia will conduct a joint training exercise from Aug. 24-28, Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM), which will host the maritime training activity said Saturday.

According to a press advisory, MTA MALPHI LAUT 18/15, which will be held in the NFWM's area of responsibility "will focus on maritime security and transnational crime."

The annual exercises, which are hosted alternately by the Philippines and Malaysia, is meant to enhance interoperability and cooperation between the two navies.

This year's training exercise, which will be opened formally at a ceremony at Naval Station Romulo Espaldon in Zamboanga City on Monday morning, is the 18th since the countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Defense Cooperation in 1994.